The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1887-04-02
THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION.
Two from the West. Two from the
East. and One from the South.



The new law goes into effect April 4, and
the labors of the commission will be ex-
ceedinUy arduous until IFS various pro-
visions have been officially construed and
become thoroughly understood by the rail-
road companies and the public. The lam
ruaQe OF the law is somewhat ambig-
nous in places, and some of its most Inn
nortant clauses seem fairly open to con-
ilictinr constructions. The first duty of
the commission will be TO tell the country
exactly what the law means. OF course the
commission can do no more at the oatset
than 10 outline their general theory OF the
scope and effect OF tho law. Its applica-
ton in a great number of cases must DO
uncertain until the courts or the commits
sion are called upon TO determine the
particular questions involved.
SKETCHES.
Judre Thomas NJ Cooley was born at
Attica, N. ", in 1924, and removed to
Michigan in 1s43, where no has since re-
sided. In 1857 he was elected compiler of
the State laws, and in 1853 he was chosen
reporter of the Supreme Court. In 1859
no was appointed commissioners TO organ
izo the law department of the University
OF Michigan. and he has ever since been
connected with it. He served three terms
in the Supreme Court, but was defeated IN
1885 He is the author OF numerous
standard legal works and holds high rank
as a jurist lie was appointed last Decem-
Der by Judge Gresham as receiver OF tho
Wabash Railroad. His presence on the
commission will give IL the confidence OF
the country and will he guarantee TO both
the public and the railroad companies that
the law will be administered faithfully and
impartially. Much is hoped from his
practical railroad experience as well as
from his legal reputation Judge Cooley
is probably the only member OF the com
mission who makes heavy pecuniary
sacrifice by accepting the Office. II has
been stated that he gives up $4,000 year
i'm leaving the Wabash receivership. This
is one reason why he was given the longest
term, as IL was felt, this much was due
him.
William II. Morrison, of Illinois, was
born in Monroe county, Illinois, Sept. la,
1926. He received a common school edu-
cation, and afterwari was student at
Mckendree College; was reared and began
life on farm, was admitted 20 the bar IN
1885, and since then has prncticed the pro-
fcssion of law; was a private soldier in the
Mexican war, and organized and com
manded the 10th Illinois regiment in tho
late war; was elected Clerk of the Circuit
Court, OF Monroe county, In 1854 was a
member of the Illinois Legislature from
1854 to 1860, and Speaker of the House
the last two years; was elected to Congress
in 1852, but was the defeated candidate OF
his party for Congress in 1864, and again
in 1866; was again a member OF tho Illinois
Legislature In 1870 aud 1871, and received
the vote of the Democratic members for
Speaker, Was elected 90 the Forty-third
Congress in 1872 by a majority OF 1899
over John b. Hay and has lately com
pleted his seventh term in the House. In
November last he was defeated for re-
election by Jehn Baker. Col. Morrisons
independence, integrity, and hard sense
are pretty we'll known TO the country at
large.
Capt. Walter l.. Bragg, of Montgomery,
Ala, who has been appointed one OF the
interstate commerce commissioners, was
born in Lowndes County, Alabama, Feb.
%, 1888. He moved with his parents to
Ouachita County, Arkansas, in the winter
of 1874, and that was his home until Janu-
airy, 1866. He received liberal education
in Arkansas and az Harvard. In April,
1861, he enlisted in the 9Th regiment, Ar
kansas volunteers, and served in the Con
fedorato army oil through the war. After
the war he settled in Marion, Alabama, and
moved TO Montgomery in 1871. He was
chairman OF the Democratic State Execu-
tive Committee in 1874, 1876, and 1876. In
1876 he was appointed Alabama's member
of the National Democratic oommittee
when the convention met in st. Louis In
1880 he was elector for the State at large
for Hancock and English In March, 1881,
he was appointed president Of the Ala
bama railroad commission, and was reap
pointed in 1883, his term expiring in
March, 1885. Since that time no has been
successfully practicing law in Montgomery.
The appointment gives great satisfaction
TO the people of Alabama.
Aldacc II. Walker was born in Rutland
county, VT, about forty-six years ago. He
AZ udied law in the Office of Senator Ed
munds, at burlington, and was admitted TO
the bar, but before he had chance TO prac-
tice the War of tho Rebellion broke out.
lie went TO tho from as private and came
out n Colonel. After the War he practiced
his profession in New York ity for two
or three years, but finally removed TO Rut-
land. He Is said TO hold leading posi-
tion at the Vermont bar, and has engaged
la many important cases. lie has been
member OF the Legislature, and while
State senator was instrumental In the
railroad legislation enacted. The special
study he gave 90 the bicct at that time
has been continued since, and 10 is thought
fully fits him for place on the National
Com mission. In politics Mr.. Walker has
always been n Republican.
Augustus Schoonmakcr was born in III
ster county, New York, i'm 1923. He be-
came active in politics while still n minor.